$64,487

What seven-seat SUV should I buy?

Thomas is trying to sort the large-SUV wheat from the chaff.

The dilemma

Thomas is after a large seven-seat SUV for his growing family. It needs to be able to handle three child restraints and have a big boot, and he'd like its safety artillery to include active cruise control.

He's shortlisted Mazda's CX-9 Azami and Toyota's Kluger Grande but isn't sure which way to go, or if he should be considering anything else.

The budget

About $60,000

The shortlist

In theory, the Mazda – newer and more talented than its rival – would look to have the advantage but that doesn't mean it's a large SUV for every large-SUV buyer. There are devils in the detail that could easily swing things around, which we'll delve into here.

Other options? Well, Ford's ageing Territory falls short in too many crucial ways to be a serious contender in 2017, and Nissan's Pathfinder also struggles to mount a serious case against a CX-9 or Kluger. Hyundai's Sante Fe goes closer but ultimately loses out to a corporate cousin with an even better handle on things.

Kia Sorento Platinum, from $55,990

This Kia is roomy, has a big boot (605 litres), active cruise control and its middle-row seat has ample child-restraint anchor options (three top-tether, two Isofix).

Its cabin has thoughtful touches the Mazda and Toyota don't, most notably a versatile 40/20/40 split for the second-row seat.

Where its rivals are petrol-only, it has a strong, flexible diesel engine with this group's best economy rating (7.8L/100km). Its seven-year warranty/fixed-price servicing deal and yearly/15,000km service intervals are great for convenience and peace of mind.

But the Sorento also has this group's tightest second and third-row accommodation, and smallest seven-up boot (142 litres). It's merely good rather than great to drive and not especially cheap to service.

Mazda CX-9 Azami, from $59,390

This Mazda is the newest car here and it shows in the safety field – its active cruise control has this group's only stop/go function and its autonomous emergency braking uniquely scans for rearward impacts.

Its spacious cabin is the only one here with a child-restraint anchor point in the final row, so you're not just limited to using the second-row seat.

It's a nice thing to drive and its 2.5-litre turbo petrol engine is flexible, willing and economical (8.4L/100km for FWD models, 8.8L for AWDs).

But the CX-9 is also the only car here to do without final-row air vents and a full-sized spare tyre.

The superiority of its stated boot capacities (810/230 litres) can be at least partly attributed to Mazda measuring from floor to roof rather than from floor to window-line like the other cars (and other Mazda SUVs).

Service costs are fixed for life but it's not a benchmark for cost or convenience (intervals are nine-monthly/10,000km) or the length of its warranty (three years).

Toyota Kluger Grande, from $64,075

It has this group's weakest warranty (three years but with a 100,000km limit rather than unlimited like the Mazda), shortest fixed-price servicing deal (three years/60,000km) and least convenient intervals (six-monthly/10,000km).

It costs more than its rivals but it's the only car here to miss out on Isofix child-restraint anchor points. Its road manners are somewhat ponderous.

But the Kluger has generous occupant space, this group's best small-item storage, a big boot (529/195 litres) and this group's only pop-open tailgate window.

It ticks key safety boxes (including active cruise), has this group's only standard rear entertainment system and this group's lowest service costs. Its petrol V6 has ample shove and it's a quiet, comfortable drive.

Drive recommends

The Mazda is roomy, practical and outscores the Sorento and Kluger in several key fields. That makes it the standout large seven-seat SUV for most buyers and, in all likelihood, Thomas, too.

Not that there aren't scenarios that could lead to a different outcome. Buyers with serious touring on the cards or who wish to minimise their spend will find the Kia's value, diesel thrift, full-size spare and generous service intervals very tempting.

The Toyota? It really doesn't do a lot wrong but it simply accrues fewer points across the board than its rivals. It's a safe large-SUV bet but not the best one.

Drive Comments

Circling Buzzard | 2017-01-24 10:56:05

Kia Sorento wins Drive SUV of the year 2 years in a row,yet this writer suggests they buy a Mazda.
The previous CX9 was a gas guzzling sales failure, this updated version may be better but it didn't get Drives SUV of the year in 2015-or 16,
Buyers must now decide whether the Drive award is credible or simply worthless.

Norego Circling Buzzard | 2017-01-27 04:58:54

Just did this shop around and the new CX-9 is head and shoulders above the others. It feels like a luxury car, has heaps of room, looks great and drives way better than the others. Will be buying one.

Norego Circling Buzzard | 2017-01-27 05:01:49

Circling Buzzard the new CX-9 has only just been released.. so it didn't exist when Drive did the 2015-or 16 SUV of the year. Safe bet it will win in 2017.

DJM61 | 2017-01-24 20:45:46

I tend to agree with Circling Buzzard. Mazda CX-9 lack of final-row air vents and a full-sized spare tyre would be a deal breaker for me. Of the three cars mentioned the Sorento would be the best off road. New Kluger has unfortunate exterior design. I wonder how many parents would utilise a child-restraint anchor point in the final row (especially without final-row air vents). This Kia is roomy, has a big boot ... Sorento also has this group's tightest second and third-row accommodation, and yet the stated figures don't support that (CX9 measured differently). Sorento's diesel engine and auto are excellent and efficient.

Norego DJM61 | 2017-01-27 05:03:39

Never use the third row air vents in our current car so not an issue for many people.

Sidney Mincing | 2017-01-24 21:23:27

I already have the best 7 seat 4x4, bought a V8 Explorer years ago, certainly have no intention of down-grading to some piece of 'modern'junk

Selector 2 | 2017-01-25 05:20:49

Fine Sidney, so long as you don't want to go off road.

Sidney Mincing | 2017-01-25 06:49:24

Selector 2, you've obviously never owned an Explorer as it's a joy to drive on the rough stuff. A bit limited in deep water (as are the majority of 4x4s), but gravel, mud, sand, is no problem and I can press the limits. Haven't tried snow yet, probably never will, but all-in-all, a most satisfying drive, so don't slag off about what you don't know

2 stroke | 2017-01-26 02:28:51

Sidney Mincing, I too have the best 7 seat suv and it has a 2.3 litre diesel, a true 4x4 and is called a mitsubishi outlander. Loads of space in the second row of seats, adequate space in 3rd row and 6.5 lph on country driving and 7.8 all metro

Selector 2 | 2017-01-26 22:25:09

Really Sidney?
See u on Fraser Island then and I'll pull you out every 20 metres.

Gregah | 2017-01-27 09:55:40

I always assumed that boot space (volume) was measured to a common industry methodology and could be reliably compared across cars from different makers...but obviously not. Is measuring floor to ceiling for the cx9 Mazda just taking the piss (an isolated case)? Where can a punter who cares about boot space find out how a maker measured their quoted figure? Fine print of the sales brochure?

1stcrack | 2017-01-27 22:44:22

Wow
Wow
Drive puts Toyota last and Mazda 1st in a comparison. Never seen that before!